Francies Burkett, 72

Francies B. (Young-Foghino) Burkett, age 72 of Three Rivers, died Sunday Feb. 21, 2010 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo following a 5 week illness. She was born in Three Rivers on Aug. 26, 1937 the daughter of Maurice M. and Gladys A. (Freese) Young. She graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1955 and was married to John Jay Foghino in 1956. They were later divorced. Francies worked at the Rose Room Beauty Shop, and the Tap Room and the Bee Hive taverns in Three Rivers. Later, she worked as a secretary for Glas-Tech and the St. Joseph County Friend of the Court. She was married to Paul Burkett in 1971, and became co-owner of Burkett Signs in Battle Creek. Following their divorce, Francies returned to Three Rivers where she was a sales clerk for J.C. Penney, T.S.C., Fisher Big Wheel, and retired from Meijers in 2007. She was a member of Eagles Lodge #2303, and enjoyed watching the Three Rivers Community Players.

Francies is survived by her mother, Gladys Young of Mendon; a brother, Maurice S. Young of Three Rivers; four children; Jeffrey Foghino of Mendon, James Foghino (Nanette) of Mendon, Jody Timm (David) of Three Rivers, and Judy Richardson (Rodney) of Centreville; 11 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Maurice M. Young in 1978; her two ex-husbands, Paul Burkett in 2004, and John Foghino in 2009.

Cremation has been conducted. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010 at the New Hope Assembly of God Church, 56652 Buckhorn Rd., Three Rivers, with Pastor Steve Miller officiating. Memorials may be directed to either, the Animal Rescue Fund, P.O. Box 593, Centreville, MI 49032 or to the Three Rivers Community Players, P.O. Box 157, Three Rivers, MI 49093. Assistance was provided by the Eickhoff Funeral Home of Mendon. An online register is available and condolences may be left at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com